In a recent government meeting, officials from Jefferson County expressed gratitude for the extensive efforts made by various teams during the Quarry Fire, which scorched over 550 acres of open space this summer. The meeting highlighted the collaborative response from multiple departments, including public health, emergency services, and animal control, which collectively dedicated over 11,000 hours to fire support.

Commissioner Leslie McGowan emphasized the severe wildfire risk facing Jefferson County, noting that it ranks first in the state for potential property loss due to wildfires. The communities of Evergreen and Conifer are particularly vulnerable, with Jefferson County being among the top areas nationally for wildfire risk. McGowan underscored the importance of protecting lives and local economies from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

The meeting also provided a detailed account of the fire's impact, with 579.75 acres burned, including varying degrees of severity across the affected land. Emergency operations involved 36 staff members who spent over 1,300 hours managing the crisis. The fire led to the closure of several parks and trails, with no estimated reopening date currently available.

Both McGowan and Commissioner Kurt expressed appreciation for the community's response, particularly the efforts at the evacuation center, where volunteers cared for over 200 animals displaced by the fire. They noted that no lives or homes were lost during the incident, attributing this success to the hard work and leadership of the emergency response teams.

The total cost of the fire response is still being calculated, but officials acknowledged the significant financial implications. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the community's resilience and commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis.